OKLAHOMA CITY – Republican Governor Kevin Stitt called for an expansion of the state’s ‘rainy day’ fund, the consolidation of several state agencies and major changes to the state’s merit protection system during his second State of the State speech, Tuesday.
“We must also continue to recruit the best teachers and confront our teacher shortage. I support legislation that would direct the State Board of Education to issue a teaching certificate to anyone who holds a valid out-of-state teaching certification, with no other requirements except a criminal history record check,” the governor said.
The governor’s speech, which lasted about 40 minutes, kicked off the second session of the 57th Oklahoma Legislature. Stitt, who spoke before a joint session of the Oklahoma Legislature, also detailed his plans for an expanded Medicaid system and a push to quickly certify out-of-state teachers who move to Oklahoma.
Though Stitt’s speech was generally praised by many members of the legislature, Democrats in the House of Representatives criticized the governor’s education policies, calling the proposals ‘another gimmick.’
With state tribal leaders watching from the gallery, Stitt doubled down on his efforts to force the tribes to renegotiate tribal compacts.
For several months, the governor has pushed back against the idea that tribal gaming compacts automatically renew. In December, three of the state’s largest tribes – the Choctaw, Chickasaw and Cherokee nations – sued the governor in federal court over the compacts.
Monday, Stitt complained that despite five offers from the state to negotiate, Native American leaders, instead, chose to go to court.
“As governor, I remain supportive of the sovereignty of the State of Oklahoma and our right – and your duty as the Legislature – to oversee all industries operating in the State,” he said.
The governor added that he remained confident that the state and the tribes could “hammer out a compromise that is a win-win for all four million Oklahomans, and we can accomplish this without putting public education in the crosshairs.”
Virgin, the House Minority Leader, said Democrats were offended by the governor’s attempt to minimalize the impact tribal nations have on the state’s economy.
I would implore the governor to go look at rural communities across the state,” Virgin said. “Tribes are investing in education.
“They are investing in health care. They are truly keeping communities alive. For him to only recognize one small portion of their impact (the tribes) on this state…is offensive and it’s untrue. I think if there were room to negotiate the governor may have squandered that.”
Though Democrats were critical of many components of the speech, the Republican leader of the Oklahoma Senate, called the Stitt’s message a positive one.
I commend the Governor Stitt’s positive message and appreciate the vision he laid out of how we advance toward the goal of becoming a top 10 state,” said Senate President Pro Tempore Greg Treat, R-Oklahoma City. “Governor Stitt’s commitment to modernizing state government and cutting red tape is welcomed at the Capitol.”
Treat said Senate Republicans looked forward to partnering with the governor and the House “on ways to make government more customer-focused and responsive to taxpayers.”
House Speaker Charles McCall, R-Atoka, said he appreciated Stitt’s goals and the “shared pursuit of maintaining and growing the positive momentum in Oklahoma.”
McCall said the House’s Republican Caucus liked the bold vision the governor painted in his speech.
“Our job now is to dig into the details,” McCall said.
McCall said lawmakers would move quickly when they and the governor agree but hinted that members of the House probably wouldn’t agree with every proposal made by the Stitt.
“Expect swift action in areas where we come to agreement, and in areas where we differ, we will have a civil discourse about what’s best for Oklahoma,” the speaker said. “I anticipate another highly-productive, meaningful session. The House looks forward to working with Governor Stitt and the Senate to close out the 57 th Legislature as strongly as we started it.”
The 2020 legislative session continue until Friday, May 29.